MzSwift
Well-Known Member
How did it turn out @keranikki ??
I hope you didn't give up!
I hope you didn't give up!
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The Mini Twist / Mini Braid Thread
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keranikki
Natural, 4a, Fine, medium density
I did give up, lol. I’ve been rocking a ponytail to cover the undone bits, lol. No shame at all
It will be time to redo my hair by the time I’m ready to finish.
25InchesStarting'25
"KB & Hydrate" Daily Habits Determine Your Growth
I have a distant relative in her Pre Teens that needs to do mini to medium twists. She is coming into town next week and want to help her learn how to do them. I'm a braider but not familiar with twists
I'm not sure what are best practices
Should twists be from root to ends or braid down a few then twist?
Do you use aloe gel or pomade at the roots or the entire length of hair , or...?
What prevents them from unraveling?
Any other important things to note?
Thank you for any help in advance!
I'm not sure what are best practices
Should twists be from root to ends or braid down a few then twist?
Do you use aloe gel or pomade at the roots or the entire length of hair , or...?
What prevents them from unraveling?
Any other important things to note?
Thank you for any help in advance!
25InchesStarting'25
"KB & Hydrate" Daily Habits Determine Your Growth
We should have a braid 2 together one day for motivation to not give up!I did give up, lol. I’ve been rocking a ponytail to cover the undone bits, lol. No shame at all
I'm going to re fresh the front of my braids either July 20th or July 27th, it'll be about 72 braids
Then the back, about 72 briads, August 10th
Let me know if any of these dates work for a Braid/Twist Together
MzSwift
Well-Known Member
I did give up, lol. I’ve been rocking a ponytail to cover the undone bits, lol. No shame at all
Absolutely understand.
MzSwift
Well-Known Member
I'm 5 weeks and 2 days in this set of twaids that I converted after 4 weeks in microtwists. I'm having trouble keeping my hands out of my hair now that they have some length. Pretty sure that's not good for my retention. So now I'm debating just rocking cornrows or starting my curly wig regi that I had planned to start this fall. I need to protect my hair from myself right now!!
MzSwift
Well-Known Member
I have a distant relative in her Pre Teens that needs to do mini to medium twists. She is coming into town next week and want to help her learn how to do them. I'm a braider but not familiar with twists
I'm not sure what are best practices
Should twists be from root to ends or braid down a few then twist?
Do you use aloe gel or pomade at the roots or the entire length of hair , or...?
What prevents them from unraveling?
Any other important things to note?
Thank you for any help in advance!
Gosh, this is kinda hard bc it depends on how her hair responds.
When I was natural, I couldn't do mini twists bc they would unravel. So my hair preferred mini braids instead. Whichever one she chooses, she should try to stop twisting toward the ends and usually twirling or rolling the last 1-2 inches helps to keep them from unraveling. Once they are wet, the ends curl up and the pre-rolling seems to help the hair clump together in a curl. But some ladies find it works to twist all of the way to the ends.
I usually don't use anything as I'm installing minis/micros. It makes mine look really skinny. So I do any wash, DC, etc beforehand or afterwards. Once I finish the install, I like to rinse them in the shower and then slather my product on them. Some ladies find it more beneficial to apply product as they're twisting/braiding though. I would say to try one with product and try one without to see which one her hair prefers.
I find that braiding the roots at least a couple of rotations helps to keep my new growth from marrying (sticking together) as the style grows out. Also, I find that frequently wetting them leads me to have more new growth. It's easier and faster to just start them as twists though and if she is up for refreshing them every two weeks or so, that might be a good option for her!
My favorite sets of "twaids" have been done on blown out hair. I also find that they're easier to take down too, when they're installed on blown out hair.
My advice would be to not try to do it all in one sitting if it's too overwhelming. Maybe start them in the front and then pull it all back into a low bun until she's ready to keep going. And it's ok if it takes DAYS (or weeks
) to install them. Refreshing them is much, much faster.I hope this helps a little, I know I didn't offer any specifics. Like all of our hair stuff, it's definitely based on personal preference and how her hair responds. Please tell her GL and have fun!!
25InchesStarting'25
"KB & Hydrate" Daily Habits Determine Your Growth
Thank you soooo much!! This was exactly what I neededGosh, this is kinda hard bc it depends on how her hair responds.
When I was natural, I couldn't do mini twists bc they would unravel. So my hair preferred mini braids instead. Whichever one she chooses, she should try to stop twisting toward the ends and usually twirling or rolling the last 1-2 inches helps to keep them from unraveling. Once they are wet, the ends curl up and the pre-rolling seems to help the hair clump together in a curl. But some ladies find it works to twist all of the way to the ends.
I usually don't use anything as I'm installing minis/micros. It makes mine look really skinny. So I do any wash, DC, etc beforehand or afterwards. Once I finish the install, I like to rinse them in the shower and then slather my product on them. Some ladies find it more beneficial to apply product as they're twisting/braiding though. I would say to try one with product and try one without to see which one her hair prefers.
I find that braiding the roots at least a couple of rotations helps to keep my new growth from marrying (sticking together) as the style grows out. Also, I find that frequently wetting them leads me to have more new growth. It's easier and faster to just start them as twists though and if she is up for refreshing them every two weeks or so, that might be a good option for her!
My favorite sets of "twaids" have been done on blown out hair. I also find that they're easier to take down too, when they're installed on blown out hair.
My advice would be to not try to do it all in one sitting if it's too overwhelming. Maybe start them in the front and then pull it all back into a low bun until she's ready to keep going. And it's ok if it takes DAYS (or weeks
I hope this helps a little, I know I didn't offer any specifics. Like all of our hair stuff, it's definitely based on personal preference and how her hair responds. Please tell her GL and have fun!!
25InchesStarting'25
"KB & Hydrate" Daily Habits Determine Your Growth
I love being in KBs for exactly this reason
It keeps me out of my hair while making it more simple to grow out my hair
ItsMeLilLucky
NotLucky no mo' just blessed.
I think I gotta give up the mini braids. They don't seem to agree with me anymore.
leona2025
Well-Known Member
Hey yall. I purchased a subscription service with my braider for twists. I get my hair retwisted once a month. My sub ends November and I will do a silk press for the first time in years. I'm trying for waist length this year , but I usually cut before then.
I was so fed up when I went to see her about these twists and actually ended up crying in her chair. My hair is unmanageable for me. It tangles so easily and I have lived in braids and twists for the last 3 years or so. Anyways it's so good to find a stylist you connect with. She understands and cares about my hair.
Anyway I wanted to share a few pics. The first pic was my May trim. The second is my hair now. I'll be getting a cut next month.
I was so fed up when I went to see her about these twists and actually ended up crying in her chair. My hair is unmanageable for me. It tangles so easily and I have lived in braids and twists for the last 3 years or so. Anyways it's so good to find a stylist you connect with. She understands and cares about my hair.
Anyway I wanted to share a few pics. The first pic was my May trim. The second is my hair now. I'll be getting a cut next month.
keranikki
Natural, 4a, Fine, medium density
Your hair is so pretty and thick! Is your hair unmanageable due to its density?
keranikki
Natural, 4a, Fine, medium density
This is so sweet, thank you! Let’s shoot for 10 August. I’m removing and reinstalling my extensions a little after mid-July.We should have a braid 2 together one day for motivation to not give up!
I'm going to re fresh the front of my braids either July 20th or July 27th, it'll be about 72 braids
Then the back, about 72 briads, August 10th
Let me know if any of these dates work for a Braid/Twist Together
MzSwift
Well-Known Member
@leona2025
Your hair is
I love the size of your twists! And they look so juicy!
I used to do twists on my natural hair that size but I've recently been thinking about putting in twists that size in my texlaxed hair.
It looks like yours are started with a few braided rotations as well?
Your hair is
I love the size of your twists! And they look so juicy!
I used to do twists on my natural hair that size but I've recently been thinking about putting in twists that size in my texlaxed hair.
It looks like yours are started with a few braided rotations as well?
leona2025
Well-Known Member
Honestly, I don't know why it's so tangly. It's been like that my whole life. Even when I was relaxed, it was tangly. As a child, my mother struggled with it too. I missed the bus to school many days with her struggling to detangle my hair for some plaits lol.
As fair as it being unmanageable for me, yes, it is because of my density. There's a lot of hair there, and it takes forever to do anything to it. I don't enjoy styling my hair anymore so it's tedious. No washngos at all anymore because the tangles and tears after are never worth it.
leona2025
Well-Known Member
Yes she starts with a braid. I prefer that! It allows my twist to stay fresh a little longer. Also, my nape texture is extremely soft. If not for the braid, it would come down immediately.@leona2025
Your hair is
I love the size of your twists! And they look so juicy!
I used to do twists on my natural hair that size but I've recently been thinking about putting in twists that size in my texlaxed hair.
It looks like yours are started with a few braided rotations as well?
pikkonoloidlee
Well-Known Member
B_Phlyy
Pineapple Eating Unicorn
Long post ahead because that's what I do
Update from my dermatologist visit on June 6. Though I can't recall completely, I'm certain my hair was a few days unwashed and stretched out. I had been sick for about 2 weeks before so I was doing the bare minimum to keep my hair on my head. And this was of course, the first thing she noticed and she asked me to confess my hair sins.
She said my hair was much drier than in January and it seemed to be more than just my recent neglect. She asked about any diet and stress, as well as products. I told her I hadn't been protecting my hair at all at night for at least 2 weeks. Also, there was so much real life stress I was going through (hubby's car was stolen, we owed taxes, one of our pets was sick). Spring 2025 just overall sucked. Plus I found out I had low vitamin D and had only recently started the supplement. My diet and exercise was okay, I eat primarily a high protein diet (I shoot for at least 100g/ day) and I walk or about 4 km/day with strength training twice a week.
As far as products, I had been using the Nizoral shampoo as ordered once a week. I had stopped in May because I kept forgetting to move it back into the shower. I'm working through my stash so my deep conditioner changed ever so often but I mostly was using Shea Moisture. There were a few days I wore a wig but I made sure I had on a wig cap. I also did confess that I used demi permanent color to get rid of greys because henna dye release takes longer than the patience I have about my grey hair. She laughed at me about this because I'm living up to the claim that nurses make the worst patients.
She then did the microscope/camera thing on the newer spot and she was up there for a longer time than the last visit. I didn't know but she was taking and comparing the pictures. She made a mini slide show as she reviewed my prognosis with me and asked what I do I REALLY want to do as far as my haircare going forward.
The spot had not expanded so its 'stable' but not as much hair grew as she expected. This means the spot may be permanent and the follicles are no longer active. However, the hair that did grow was very strong and my length retention was great. My hair in the area grew and retained 3 inches in 5 months. Even in my 20s, I never did that. And since I had used a commercial hair dye with no I'll effects, she said it's okay for me to use it for grey coverage.
She said she had recommendations for follow up care but I had to be honest about the course of action I really want to take. She said my initial complaint was the thinning but the grey hair is what I always bring up now. Obviously I have to deal with both but the care can sometimes contradict the other. So whatever I decide, just know the other option will have to be dialed back. I think, subconsciously, I knew it would eventually come to this which is why I had no problem admitting my vanity and choosing no grey hair.
Her recommendations for color care were for me to switch to gentle permanent color that uses no more than a 20 volume developer. She recommended Redken professional color products but any non- box dye will do. Reason being is that most box dyes have 30-40 volume developer which would cause major breakage for me. She recommended keeping my hair dark because it's my natural color but it's also harder to see thinning in darker hair, especially when it's curly/coily. I can redo the color every 6-8 weeks if needed. No bleaching my hair whatsoever. If I absolutely am determined to try a lighter color, I should get a full cap human hair wig, preferably with bangs or lace so I don't have to strap or glue anything down. She said I need to have no tension on my scalp if at all possible.
Which brings us to the thinning. Given that there is a high possibility that no new hair will grow in the spot, I have to accept that I will now be limited in styling choices. Since I already have a permanent spot, I told her this won't be a problem. She said for the next 3-6 months, she recommends no tension on the top half and crown area of my had. She's of course seen my mini braids but she said even though it too much for now. So basically a wash n' go or super chunky braids/twists. I said we'll see. She wants me to use the Nizoral shampoo 3-4x a week (I'm a daily washer) but this will inevitably strip my color, even with pre-pooing beforehand. So she said to work my way up to that over the next few weeks and to use a color depositing mask once a week. My color will fade but it won't look nearly as bad. The shampoo was only product I used consistently enough where it may have done something so that's why she wants me to keep using it.
She said I can use hair filler sprays like Toppik (which I have). She also gave me a prescription for 5% minoxidil. This is the men's strength but since I'm a woman, pharmacy sometimes asks for it. It's over the counter so if it's cheaper that way, just say I'm picking it up for DH.
My next follow up appointment will be some time in January or February 2026.
Update from my dermatologist visit on June 6. Though I can't recall completely, I'm certain my hair was a few days unwashed and stretched out. I had been sick for about 2 weeks before so I was doing the bare minimum to keep my hair on my head. And this was of course, the first thing she noticed and she asked me to confess my hair sins.
She said my hair was much drier than in January and it seemed to be more than just my recent neglect. She asked about any diet and stress, as well as products. I told her I hadn't been protecting my hair at all at night for at least 2 weeks. Also, there was so much real life stress I was going through (hubby's car was stolen, we owed taxes, one of our pets was sick). Spring 2025 just overall sucked. Plus I found out I had low vitamin D and had only recently started the supplement. My diet and exercise was okay, I eat primarily a high protein diet (I shoot for at least 100g/ day) and I walk or about 4 km/day with strength training twice a week.
As far as products, I had been using the Nizoral shampoo as ordered once a week. I had stopped in May because I kept forgetting to move it back into the shower. I'm working through my stash so my deep conditioner changed ever so often but I mostly was using Shea Moisture. There were a few days I wore a wig but I made sure I had on a wig cap. I also did confess that I used demi permanent color to get rid of greys because henna dye release takes longer than the patience I have about my grey hair. She laughed at me about this because I'm living up to the claim that nurses make the worst patients.
She then did the microscope/camera thing on the newer spot and she was up there for a longer time than the last visit. I didn't know but she was taking and comparing the pictures. She made a mini slide show as she reviewed my prognosis with me and asked what I do I REALLY want to do as far as my haircare going forward.
The spot had not expanded so its 'stable' but not as much hair grew as she expected. This means the spot may be permanent and the follicles are no longer active. However, the hair that did grow was very strong and my length retention was great. My hair in the area grew and retained 3 inches in 5 months. Even in my 20s, I never did that. And since I had used a commercial hair dye with no I'll effects, she said it's okay for me to use it for grey coverage.
She said she had recommendations for follow up care but I had to be honest about the course of action I really want to take. She said my initial complaint was the thinning but the grey hair is what I always bring up now. Obviously I have to deal with both but the care can sometimes contradict the other. So whatever I decide, just know the other option will have to be dialed back. I think, subconsciously, I knew it would eventually come to this which is why I had no problem admitting my vanity and choosing no grey hair.
Her recommendations for color care were for me to switch to gentle permanent color that uses no more than a 20 volume developer. She recommended Redken professional color products but any non- box dye will do. Reason being is that most box dyes have 30-40 volume developer which would cause major breakage for me. She recommended keeping my hair dark because it's my natural color but it's also harder to see thinning in darker hair, especially when it's curly/coily. I can redo the color every 6-8 weeks if needed. No bleaching my hair whatsoever. If I absolutely am determined to try a lighter color, I should get a full cap human hair wig, preferably with bangs or lace so I don't have to strap or glue anything down. She said I need to have no tension on my scalp if at all possible.
Which brings us to the thinning. Given that there is a high possibility that no new hair will grow in the spot, I have to accept that I will now be limited in styling choices. Since I already have a permanent spot, I told her this won't be a problem. She said for the next 3-6 months, she recommends no tension on the top half and crown area of my had. She's of course seen my mini braids but she said even though it too much for now. So basically a wash n' go or super chunky braids/twists. I said we'll see. She wants me to use the Nizoral shampoo 3-4x a week (I'm a daily washer) but this will inevitably strip my color, even with pre-pooing beforehand. So she said to work my way up to that over the next few weeks and to use a color depositing mask once a week. My color will fade but it won't look nearly as bad. The shampoo was only product I used consistently enough where it may have done something so that's why she wants me to keep using it.
She said I can use hair filler sprays like Toppik (which I have). She also gave me a prescription for 5% minoxidil. This is the men's strength but since I'm a woman, pharmacy sometimes asks for it. It's over the counter so if it's cheaper that way, just say I'm picking it up for DH.
My next follow up appointment will be some time in January or February 2026.
B_Phlyy
Pineapple Eating Unicorn
This will be my primary parting/styling situation for the time being. I'm sure I showed a picture similar to this but the area is bigger now. The middle portion is where the thinning is but all the hair around it is okay. My temples on the left side are slightly shorter than in the right but every thing can get into a short ponytail/bun in the middle. If things get really unruly, I gently tuck them in as I don't want to add tension with pins or hair clips.
Currently, the sides and back half of my hair is in mini braids. The middle portion is mostly loose but every few days, I'll do an over hand Dutch braid to make things look neater. I've worked my way up to using the Nizoral shampoo twice a week. I'll try for every other day starting next week.
When I'm on a desktop, there will be a link to my full length check from the SL/APL/BSL threads.
Currently, the sides and back half of my hair is in mini braids. The middle portion is mostly loose but every few days, I'll do an over hand Dutch braid to make things look neater. I've worked my way up to using the Nizoral shampoo twice a week. I'll try for every other day starting next week.
When I'm on a desktop, there will be a link to my full length check from the SL/APL/BSL threads.
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